The BIG SECRET to Keeping Your Skin Hydrated All Year Long!

Living in the Sunshine State has its perks, there's no doubt about that. One perk is the sun and all the gorgeous weather, but the downside of all this Vitamin D is it makes my skin super dry if I don't keep it hydrated. That's where Curél® Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer comes into the picture.

Whether you live by the sun or spend time in the cold, Curél® is the answer to your dry skin blues. Want proof? Lucky for you, Curél® and a bunch of bloggers (including myself) teamed up to apply Curél® Hydra Therapy daily and officially reveal to you how you can keep your skin hydrated... all year long!

Believe it or not, applying Curél® Hydra Therapy after my shower, once a day, really does make my skin softer and no joke: I noticed a difference after just one use. It’s a little different than my usual moisturizer. I applied this right after I got out of the bath, before toweling off. Why after the shower though? After showering, your pores are open, providing an easy pathway for moisture to absorb into your skin! There isn’t even a need to rub the moisturizer in, just towel off and go about your day. Curél® Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer with Advanced Ceramide Complex penetrates deeply into the skin's surface at this point bringing moisture to the source of dryness. It absorbs immediately and with daily use will end your dry skin! I’ve found that the dry, rough patches I had before now look much smoother, and my skin overall appears more hydrated and well nourished. I’m super happy with it!

Not only will Curél® Hydra Therapy hydrate your skin, this moisturizer is immediately absorbed - leaving no greasiness! Plus it's fragrance free and dermatologist recommended, so you don't have to worry about it irritating your skin, even if you’re like me and you have super sensitive skin!
With all of that said, I think I'm ready to reveal the big secret Curél®, 39 other bloggers and I have been working on together. Check out this "End of Dry Skin" graphic, it really will be the beginning of so much
more for you:

Speaking of the beginning of something much more, I think we need to talk about something important! I'm giving away $100 to ONE lucky commenter! So tell me, what's your favorite part of the "End of Dry Skin" graphic...? Will you start adding Curél® Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer into your shower routine? I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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The Hair Dryer Has Been Reinvented and YOU Will Love It!

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. 

A hair dryer is just a hair dryer, or so you thought. I felt the same way, until I had this powerful little hair tool in my hand. The game has changed, styling your hair just got a little easier, and we have Dyson to thank.

The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer has reinvented the standard hair dryer with a unique digital motor for fast and balanced drying. It even has a thermistor that helps protect your hair from heat damage and a monitor that checks the temperature every 20 seconds, keeping your hair safe and beautiful! Plus, this beauty has three magnetic styling attachments- making it easier to style every type of hair. This is the hair dryer reinvented and it's definitely my new favorite beauty accessory.

As a new mom, just gaining a second of freedom here or there while my baby plays with a toy, I can say I didn't use to have the time to devote to styling my hair perfectly every morning. Now with my Dyson Supersonic hair dryer and it's ultra-fast drying capabilities, I'm ready to go when Delainey is ready to play.

Another reason this dryer is mama friendly? It's acoustically tuned. While that sounds like it may play music well, that isn't the case. The powerful motor is actually tuned to produce one inaudible frequency and it's enveloped by a vibration reduction system, making this dryer quiet enough to not wake the baby when you just need to feel clean after a long day. I love the fact that I'm able to use this dryer without having to worry about waking the tiny little monster--that makes getting ready for our first date night out since having her a more reasonable idea.

Whether your using the highest or lowest of the three speeds this hair dryer offers or boosting it to the highest of the four heat levels, you'll really appreciate how this dryer feels like it was made for you... helping to shape your hair into the perfect style, quickly and reliably. I know I love my new Dyson Supersonic hair dryer and I think you will too.

Happiness Delivered: My POPSUGAR Must Have Box for September

Thanks to PopSugar for sending this box full of items I "must have", regardless all opinions expressed below are completely my own.

If you're a fan of subscription boxes, then the PopSugar Must Haves box is one you have to try! When you sign up for a subscription you sign yourself up to essentially receive a present from yourself in the mail, each month... with two different options, a subscription and a mini subscription!  It's the best way to get to know innovative brands and try out full-sized items for yourself and your home.

While I'm a few days late posting, I can't help but brag about what arrived in my Must Haves box in September.

We'll start with the cutest little hat on the block. This fashion must have from Jack + Lucy is so-in-right-now I can't get enough of it. If you want to add a bit of a chic vibe to your style, this little beauty is the best way to do so. Add to any fall outfit and your set for the day, no hairstyle or makeup required... yes please!

Speaking of hairstyles, if you've been struggling to get your hair to cooperate then the beauty must have is just what you need! Whether you blow dry, curl, flat iron, apply a handful of products, or all of the above, your hair likely goes through a lot - instead of adding more distress to try and repair the problem, send your hair to the "spa" instead. The Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask is the perfect way to treat your hair to what it really needs! It does the job in minutes and leaves your hair feeling silky and beautiful.

Feeling beautiful doesn't just start with your hair though, a little bit of lip gloss can make a girl glow... if it's the right gloss, that is! Another beauty must have from this box is Smith & Cult's Lip Lacquer in The Warning. It's an alarming color and perfect for a pop of color this fall! Plus, it's a paraben free formula, which helps extend the wear, whether it's worn with lipstick or by itself. If you're looking for a gloss that really helps make your beauty shine, The Warning may be the perfect option!

The next item in the box doesn't come with a warning but it does involve the E.R. The NCLA MANI-ER Tool kit is so handy, literally! In this tiny little pouch, you have everything you need to make touch ups and polish your mani, especially in an emergency situation.

Another item I think they included in the home must haves that may come in handy in an emergency outside the home is the Flint Lint Roller! It's conveniently sized to fit practically anywhere and winds up and down for use - keeping you dog fur and lint free in seconds flat!

The last item in the box is maybe my favorite. Since hubby is gluten-free I always get excited when I see yummy snacks that tote this designation and The Gluten Free Bites in Dark Chocolate Coconut are some of my new favorite snacks in our house. With just the right amount of coconut and dark chocolate to leave me craving another one, I love popping these little guys in my mouth to treat myself after a long day.

So there you have it, my most recent Must Haves box was amazing... I think we all can agree! Are you a Must Haves subscriber? Click here and order your own box (don't forget to use the code SHOP5, which never expires, to get $5 off your first box)! Also, if you feel like chatting, tell me about one item you hope arrives in your box when you sign up!

Do Something: Help Others with the Power to the Period Donation Drive

Thanks to U by Kotex for sponsoring today's discussion, regardless all opinions expressed below are completely my own.

Let me start out by saying I am so lucky I've been blessed during my lifetime... I've never really had to hurt for any necessity and I've always had a nice roof over my head. While I've always had enough, even more than enough at times, I've been around a few people that have longed for necessities. While I know I can't help every single needy person all by myself, I try to do my best to help those connected to me in some way and so does my family. While I have a handful of stories I could share about helping those in need, I'm not going to do that today... this post isn't about bragging, I'm sharing this to bring light to a subject that's tough to talk about.

I can remember one time when I was in high school, a friend of my mother's stopped by and cried on our couch after losing her job. She was in a bad spot in her life and it was really no fault of her own. She couldn't afford her rent, she was scraping pennies together to buy food, she had a car but it was running on fumes, and embarrassingly, it was "that time of the month" and she had no feminine products and no money to go buy any. I didn't know her too incredibly well, she worked with my mom in the past and I had only met her a few times, but I did know she definitely wasn't the type to beg. She honestly needed help, she came over just to talk and then out of desperation she spilled her soul. Luckily, she felt comfortable enough to share her entire story with us and we were able to lend her a helping hand.

The thing is, we weren't necessarily well off at that point in my life... Don't get me wrong, we had more than enough though and that's why my mom, being the caring individual she is, handed her some money and some feminine products. The gesture was small, in comparison to the grand scheme of things, but it meant a lot to her friend and while I'm not sure where she ended up in life, I still think about that day on occasion. All of us sitting there in my living room, tears streaming down her face, my mom and I wanting to do everything we could to help her. It was right then the reality of being an adult set in, in some ways. I had always known life wasn't rainbows and butterflies, but seeing someone need something that I'd always taken for granted, someone that I knew directly, that made me realize that I could and should do more with my life. I was born blessed, I should help others feel blessed whenever the opportunity presents itself. It's a lesson I'll never forget and one that my mom may not even remember teaching me... but it was life changing.

That's why I want to share more about the "Power to the Period drive"! While this movement wasn't around back when my mom's friend was in need, it is now and it's something every woman should know about. Power to the Period is the first-ever national period product drive and the second installment of U by Kotex's Period Projects - a unique and inspiring series of projects, each inspired and led by real women who share the brand's passion for creating change.

While my mom's friend was just one woman in our community, it's obvious when I reflect back on that day that she was likely one of many that needed help being able to afford necessities like feminine products. To be exact, there are 3.5 million Americans who experience homelessness each year, these people have limited access to and few places to turn for basic human needs like toiletries.

U by Kotex is doing something to change that, inspired by a tweet sent by Holly Sanchez, they have partnered with DoSomething.org to encourage people to buy and donate an extra pack of period products to homeless shelters. This simple act of kindness is one that could change a woman's life, I've witnessed it myself. Together, as women, we can change the way we think about, talk about, and act towards the needs of homeless and needy people in our communities. The best part is, it's actually an easy task - just buy an extra pack of pads or tampons on each trip you make to the store, then make a monthly donation to a local shelter. You could change someone's life by spending a few extra dollars each time you make a Target run or a stop at Walmart... it's that easy. If you have the time maybe you could even start a Power to the Period donation drive in your area from now through September 30 and donate everything you collect to a shelter in need! Visit UbyKotex.com, DoSomething.org/Period or text PERIOD to 38383 to learn more about how you can get involved.

Tell me, have you ever helped someone truly in need of something simple like toiletries or food? While it's a small act for you, it means a lot to those in need... I'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments below.

Protect & Improve Your Skin with Receutics

This post was sponsored on behalf of Receutics. All opinions stated are my own.

I talk about the benefits of living in Florida often... I mean with the beach just around the corner, amusement parks galore, and all kinds of other fun activities - it's easy to see why I love it here. One thing I don't normally address is what the Florida sun is capable of; While the sun is, in fact, the sun no matter where you live, it seems to beam a little brighter in these parts. I used to go without sunscreen when I lived in the midwest, spending hours tanning with friends without a burn in sight, but in Florida after a few harsh burns I realized that lifestyle isn't possible here, at least without protecting my skin!

That's where Receutics comes into the picture. My first few years I lived here, when I would go without sunscreen, I did more than a little damage to my skin. While the added freckles are cute, we can all agree the sun spots, weird peeling spots, and blotchy skin isn't so adorable. I'm loving that I finally found Receutics Active Skin Repair Sun Care to help improve the look of my skin, while I'm also protecting it with professional-grade sunscreen - which is what I should've been doing all along... but I guess you live, you learn!

Over the last month or so I've spent a few seconds each day applying a thin layer of Receutics Advanced Sunscreen before I head outdoors, whether I'm heading off to the beach for an all day adventure or just taking my pups for a stroll around the neighborhood I make sure I apply my sunscreen.

I'm glad to say that my small efforts have benefited my skin greatly! I had weird patches of skin peeling near my eyebrows before and the "beginning" stages of wrinkles were starting to show, now I have nothing but clear skin and a couple of freckles and nearly perfect skin for a 27 year old mama-to-be!

Are you looking to up your sunscreen and skincare game? Receutics Advanced Sunscreen shields your skin from the sun's UVA/UVB rays using powerful antioxidants that protect and even your skin tone - something any woman (or man) with aging skin can appreciate! Not only does Receutics make awesome sunscreen, their line of skincare items include Intense Hydration and Repair Treatments, Acne Clearing Systems, and more and it's all available at your local Rite Aid!

If you haven't tried Receutics yet, now is the time... if not now, then when?! Tell me in the comments below about your skincare problems and how you think Receutics can help you repair and renew your skin!

Happiness Delivered with The POPSUGAR Must Have Box for June!

POPSUGAR sent me this Must Have Box to try and since I loved everything so much I just have to share all the goodies with you!

With all kinds of exciting summer fun on the schedule, I'm so excited to have some of these items on hand to enjoy the hot, long days! From festive nail polish for the 4th to a dreamy sarong, this box has everything a fashionista could want!

We'll go ahead and start with the dreamy Sarong from Hat Attack in Neutral Diamonds. The print is perfect for any occasion and it's so flowy that my pregnant belly doesn't feel like a nuisance while rocking it. As a beach bunny, I'm a huge fan of sarongs but this one may be my new favorite... it's so soft and lightweight and it fits perfectly in my beach bag! What more could I ask for?

While I'm not popping the top off any brewskis in my current state, this adorable Sisters of Los Angeles "Cheers" Gold Bottle Opener is the perfect way to help a friend in need out! Plus, it makes an adorable decoration on a bar cart and the perfect addition to any BBQ occasion that involves an adult brew or two!

I can't talk about adult brews and a good time, without mentioning The Wild and Wolf Ridley's Games Room "Who Am I?" Quiz game! This game is so much fun! It's like "Guess Who" and trivia had a baby and "Who Am I?" is that beautiful love child! Team up with a few friends that have had a couple of beers and get ready to giggle at some of the clues or bust this game out when meeting new people and break the ice instantly in a fun way!

Speaking of ice, if you love a little sparkle then you'll adore the Must Have Beauty item in the box - the NCLA Born on the 4th Nail Lacquer is full of little specks of sparkle and the perfect way to show off your patriotic side this summer! It also gets a couple of bonus points for being cruelty-free, in my book! This beautiful shimmery shade is a POPSUGAR exclusive, which is so neat and makes me love it even more! Add a coat over a deep shade of red and you'll be rocking beautiful nails in minutes!

Once your nails look beautiful, you'll have to check the rest of yourself out with the handy dandy Knock Knock Are You Ready (For Your Close-Up?) Compact! It's the most adorable way to sneak a peek at yourself, whether you're checking your eyeliner for smudges or peeking at your summertime love over your shoulder this little compact mirror is just too cute not to stick in your purse for use all summer long!

Now that you know that you look good, it only makes sense to make sure you smell great as well! I think that's probably why Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes are in the POPSUGAR Must Have box this month and I'm definitely not complaining! With fresh, clean scents that neutralize odors for hours without any aluminum - I'm totally a fan of these and will be stashing the pack in my purse as well!

The last Must Have item in my box is the Pressels Sriracha Pretzel Chips and if you know me, you know I'm not necessarily a big fan of pretzels but these funky little chips are actually pretty tasty! With just the right amount of kick and a delicious crunch, I'll definitely be snacking on these while wrapped in my sarong and admiring my mani-pedi this summer!

Are you a POPSUGAR Must Have subscriber yet? If not, you should be! Order your box today and be sent a box full of curated surprises each and every month!